Nigeria-China diplomatic relations have entered a “fast lane”, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, said on Wednesday, as both countries marked 55 years of diplomatic ties.
Dunhai spoke in Abuja at an event commemorating the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China.
The ambassador said the relationship between the two countries had grown stronger over the years, anchored on mutual respect and shared development.
“Celebrating the 55th year of diplomatic ties, China and Nigeria have grown closer through mutual respect and shared success.
“Under the strategic leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our relationship has entered the fast lane,” he said.
Dunhai disclosed that bilateral trade between Nigeria and China reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, representing a 35 per cent increase, while Chinese imports from Nigeria rose by 81 per cent during the period.
He said both countries had also taken steps to deepen cultural ties, including the launch of Chinese-language broadcasts on the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria and Voice of Nigeria.
The envoy said China was prepared to align its 15th Five-Year Plan with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in areas including industrialisation, digital development and the green and blue economies.
He also invited Nigeria to join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation to promote collaboration in global technology development.
Dunhai called for greater cooperation between the two countries through innovation and openness, saying this would further strengthen bilateral relations and contribute to a new chapter in China-Africa relations.
He reaffirmed China’s support for African integration and self-reliant development, citing Beijing’s decision to introduce zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries from May 1.
According to him, the policy contributed to a 24 per cent increase in China’s imports from Africa in May and June alone.
He said the policy would help transform Africa’s resource advantages into industrial capacity while supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area and a fairer global trading system.
Speaking at the event, President Bola Tinubu commended China for its longstanding friendship with Nigeria, noting that platforms such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative had expanded opportunities for practical bilateral engagement.
Represented by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, the President said the relationship between Nigeria and China had evolved significantly since diplomatic ties were established in 1972.
“Across the 55 years since our relationship started in 1972, a normal diplomatic friendship has matured into a cooperation that increasingly touches the daily lives of our citizens,” he said.
Tinubu acknowledged China’s contributions to Nigeria through investment, financing and engineering, as well as cooperation in healthcare, people-to-people exchanges and technical trade.
He particularly welcomed China’s zero-tariff programme, saying it offered significant opportunities for Nigerian producers.
The President, however, called for deeper cooperation in the power sector, particularly in achieving reliable electricity, developing renewable energy and promoting the local manufacture of power equipment.
He said the benefits of bilateral investment would be greater if they also contributed to developing Nigeria’s energy production capacity, technology and local enterprises.
“The benefits will be the greatest when investment also develops Nigerian energy production, technology, and strengthens local enterprises and equips us to operate and maintain what we build in Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
He added that such cooperation would help Nigeria build lasting national capabilities.
